DePauw School of Music Ensembles Perform at the White House

December 23, 2014

“The experience was surreal, and it hit me at random times that I was walking on the same floors that Abraham Lincoln walked on,” says Jackson V. Bailey ’18, who performed as a member of the DePauw Chamber Singers at the White House on Dec. 20.

Four ensembles from DePauw University’s School of Music – the DePauw Jazz Combo, DePauw Chamber Singers, Asbury String Quartet and DePauw Cello Ensemble – were given an opportunity of a lifetime to provide an entire day of music at the White House, and everyone agreed that the invitation took them by surprise.

“The White House is one of the most prestigious places you can perform,” Bailey says. “So, you could say, I was very excited. It was a pretty unbelievable day.”

D. Mark McCoy, dean of the School of Music, says it was a remarkable opportunity for the students. “The performances were stellar, and the students worked very hard – often calling extra rehearsals and even rehearsing on their own to prepare,” he says.

"Touring is an important part of the 21st-Century Musician Initiative and the touring experience – making travel connections, eating well, staying healthy and getting rest develops a skill set that serious musicians need as much as their performance skills. The students were consummate musicians and a class act throughout. We are very fortunate to have had this opportunity.”

Bailey’s sister, Maureen A. Bailey ’16, also went to Washington, D.C. as a member of both the DePauw Chamber Singers and Asbury String Quartet. She says the opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of alumnus James "Jim" R. Martin '65. “We are incredibly thankful to Jim, who helped fund our trip,” Maureen says. “Many of the experiences we have at DePauw wouldn't be possible without our unbelievably supportive alumni, and I know I can speak for all of us when I say that we are so grateful for people like Jim.”

Maureen says she was honored and thrilled to be a part of something so exciting. She describes the events leading up to the performance – passing through several security clearances, being escorted through the White House to the Green Room, eating cookies baked by the pastry chef, and then singing in front of a portrait of George Washington – as “a truly incredible experience.”

Part of the fun of the trip according to Maureen, was spending it with her brother.  She explains that few siblings can say they’ve had the chance to share such extraordinary experiences together, and their next opportunity is Winter Term in Vienna as members of the DePauw University Orchestra.

Steve Snyder, director of the DePauw Jazz Ensemble, was also very pleased to perform at the White House – although he explains that as a musician, the focus is always on the performance and not the venue. While the White House performance was a very special event, the performance had to be at a level that was representative of all DePauw students and what they’re capable of.

“I was very excited for the students,” Snyder says. “It’s something that obviously not everyone gets to do, and they should be very happy with their performance.”

Saxophonist Spencer E. Schillerstrom ’18 says the whole experience felt very official. “From the Secret Service checking us in to the constant flow of well-dressed spectators, we were treated with a level of respect and intensity that I have never felt before,” he says.

“No matter where I play, my favorite part of every performance is the music,” Schillerstrom says. “I will remember how well we played and how much people seemed to enjoy the music. After all, if people don't enjoy what we do, everything else means nothing,” he says.

Learn more about the DePauw School of Music and the 21CM Initiative by visiting the website.

Back